The nomination of Sen. Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut as the Democratic candidate for Vice President of the United States is an exciting and proud moment for the American Jewish community. How many of our grandparents and great-grandparents who came to these shores a century ago could ever have imagined this degree of success and acceptance of Jewish people in the mainstream of society?

Although Senator Lieberman is the first Jewish candidate for such a high office, we must also realize that he follows a long line of extensive Jewish involvement in American politics and leadership positions. Though Jews represent only 2 percent of this country's population, we are a people with a disproportionately high representation in the United States government. Judaism is the religion of 5 percent of the members of the House, 11 percent of the Senate, and 22 percent of the Supreme Court.

The success of Jews in American politics comes not from the voters' attraction to Jewish candidates, but rather from voters' apparent disregard for religious affiliation. We are blessed with a truly open society and we have made the most of this opportunity.

What's exciting about Senator Lieberman is not just that he is a Jew running for office, but that he is a Jew committed to the practice of Judaism -- observant of the Shabbat and the dietary laws. His children and stepchild have attended Conservative Day Schools, Ramah Camps and the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Joseph Lieberman's commitment to Jewish life does not necessarily qualify him as the best candidate for Vice President. That will be the decision of the American voters. Rather I cite Senator Lieberman's Judaism for a different reason. He is a role model to all of us who worry that traditional Judaism and American society are irreconcilable.